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Sunday, January 2, 2011

Aam aur Nariyal ki Barfi | Mango-Coconut Fudge

Barfi or Burfi, meaning ice-like, is a milk based sweet from the Northern parts of India. This Meetha (sweet) is now popular all across the Indian sub-continent. It is made at home on special occasions and is easily available ready made in Halwai or Mithai (Sweet Stores) that dot villages, towns, and cities across the country!!

A Barfi is generally made with milk, cottage, and sugar. Some types are a combination of of dried fruits and sugar. Dairy based Barfis may have dried fruits, nuts, and fresh fruits added them during the cooking process. The Barfis that have a dairy base have a smaller shelf life that the ones made with just dried fruits and nuts.

Mango Barfi is a classic sweet from Uttar Pradesh. Prepared with fresh mango pulp and sweetened milk, it is melt-in-the-mouth delicious and addictive at the same time. I have to say that as a lover of the many varieties of Indian mangoes as dessert mangoes, I rarely like to mess about with them. They taste best by themselves or with a dollop of fresh cream or mildly sweetened ice cream. And yet when I made this Mango Coconut Barfi for a New Year's treat yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised with results.

Add the shredded and roast on a gentle heat until the colour of the coconut just begins to turn golden.

Now add the milk, stir, and cook the coconut in the milk for about five minutes.

Pour in the condensed milk and mango pulp.

Blend well and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally so that the coconut does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

The mix will begin to thicken slowly. Continue cooking till you see the mix come together and the ghee begins to separate.

Set a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Grease it lightly with some ghee.

Remove the mix onto this sheet. Using a spatula, pat down evenly to 1/2" thickness.

Cool completely. Cut into squares or diamonds.

Refrigerated, this Barfi will taste delicious for at least a week, but if you have a sweet tooth its unlikely to last that long!! I took the Barfi mix, rolled it into balls the size of key limes and rolled them in crushed pistachios. These bite sized desserts are perfect to satisfy that sudden sweet craving any time of the day without making you feel too guilty about indulging!!